Glossary
Tennis vocabulary mixes English, French and Spanish heritage with modern coaching jargon. This glossary covers the most common terms a player or fan will encounter.
- Ace
- A serve the returner does not touch with the racket.
- Advantage
- The point after deuce. Winning the next point wins the game.
- Backhand
- Groundstroke hit on the non-dominant side of the body.
- Break
- Winning a game on the opponent's serve.
- Deuce
- Score of 40-40, requiring two consecutive points to win the game.
- Drop shot
- A softly-hit ball that barely clears the net, designed to die on the bounce.
- Forehand
- Groundstroke hit on the dominant side of the body.
- Kick serve
- Heavy topspin serve that jumps high after the bounce.
- Let
- A serve that clips the net and lands in — replayed.
- Lob
- A high ball hit over the opponent's head, typically when they are at the net.
- Love
- A score of zero.
- Passing shot
- A groundstroke hit past an opponent who is at the net.
- Rally
- A continuous exchange of shots after the serve has been put in play.
- Slice
- A shot with backspin, producing a low skidding bounce.
- Smash
- An overhead winner hit from above the head, usually finishing a lob.
- Topspin
- Forward rotation that makes the ball dip and bounce high.
- Unforced error
- A mistake not caused by good play from the opponent.
- Volley
- A shot hit before the ball bounces.
- Winner
- A shot the opponent fails to touch.
Related wiki pages
- Forehand — Grip, backswing, contact, follow-through. Common mistakes and drills.
- Backhand — One-handed and two-handed — biomechanics, body rotation, preparation.
- Serve — Toss, trophy position, pronation, landing. First and second serve.
- Volley — Short backswing, block, footwork at the net, court positioning.